Multiple-arc welding, cutting, and reducing apparatus



April 7, 1931. c. J. HCLSLAG 1,799,903 MULTIPLE ARC WELDING, CUTTING, AND REDUCING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 3, 1926 a H4 I Z a l I 7 I l Z3 i 5 1 022 2: I g 1 Ti 21 I l I I o i F i I t I -2O I L I ,T; i

l I A 4! 2 l 6 30 12 /7 l I A I l 27 Z 2 M H /3 IO 5% Q7 [2 I INVENTOR MUD/ME) circuit of laminated iron or steel.

Patented Apr. 7, I 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLAUDE'J. HOLSLAG, OF SOUTH ORANGE, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNQR TO ELECTRIC CUTTING & WELDING COMPANY,

OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY MULTIPLE-ARC WELDING, CUTTING, AND REDUCING APPARATUS Application filed September 3, 1926. Serial No. 133,482.

This invention relates to an apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducing, and includes an alternating current transformer having preferably a closed ma etic n my Patents 1,305,361-3, issued June 3rd, 1919, and Reissue Patent 16,012, issued March 3, 1925, I have shown, described and claimed various forms of alternating current welding transformers. In thosepatents I have described in some detail the method of operation of such transformers when used in an arc welding circuit. My present invention is directed to a modified form of the transformers referred to in said patents, the form to be described herein, being one adapted for use with a single are or a plurality of arcs, whereby in the latter case more than one operator can weld simultaneously, from the same transformer, without interfering in any manner with the other operator or operators, in fact my present transformer possesses the characteristics such that when one operator is cutting or welding on a piece of work, the apparatus functions so as to assist the other operator in striking an arc, when said operator commences working operations.

It is therefore one of the objects of my in vention to provide a welding transformer having the characteristics above set forth, that is to say, a construction is provided where one or more operators may use simultaneously the same transformer, independently of each other, or the circuits through the transformer may be quickly combined so as to give one operator a greatly increased amount of power for any special purpose.

Another object of my invention is to provide a welding apparatus of the character described, which as compared with direct current apparatus is materially lighter and cheaper, and more economical in its operation. These and other objectswill be apparent after a reading of the specification taken in connection with the annexed drawing,

which is diagrammatic in form for the purpose of illustrating the principles involved. Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of one form of my invention.

Figure 2 shows a fragmentary view of a different way of arranging the coils on the in s thereon.

igure 4 is an end view of the coils shown on the central leg of the transformer when these windings are arranged as set forth in my Patent 1,305,363, the view being the same as illustrated in Figure 1 of said patent.

In Figure 1 of the drawing, l is a central section of the magnetic core of the transformer. Joined to the core 1, on one side thereof, by means of the yokes 4 and 5 is a leg 3, while on the opposite side of the core 1, is a leg 2, joined to 1, by the yokes 6 and 7. On the central portion 1, of the transformer is a primary coil 8, having lead in wires 10, and associated with the primary coil 8, is a main secondary coil 11. While the coil 11 is shown adjacent to the primary coil 8, it is to be understood that the coil 11, may be disposed with respect to the primary 8, in the manner shown in Figure 2, or the windings may be subdivided'and more closely intermingled as shown in Fig. 4, which arrangement is like that shown in Fig. 1 of my Patent 1,305,363.

On the leg 2,-is an auxiliary secondary coil 19, while on the leg 3, is a second auxiliary coil 29. Connected with one terminal of the coil 19 is a reactance coil 16, and connected with the coil 29 is a corresponding reactance coil 30.- These reactance coils may or may not be used, as will be later referred to. On the yoke 5, is illustrated a stabilizing or steadying coil 28, and on the yoke 7, a similar coil 24, which is connected by a lead 23 to its associated coil 19. The action of these steadying coils 24 and 28, is similar to that described in my Patent 1,305,363, and these-may or may 'not be used as desired. The primary coil 8,

the main secondary coil 11, and the auxiliary coils 19 and 29, as well as the reactance coils 16 and 30, are provided with one or more taps through the medium of which the ampere turns of each coil may be varied. It is to be the coils 16 and 30, are broughtout to plugs or sockets much the same as illustrated in my Patent 1,305,363, and-likewise the coils 24 and 28 may be plugged in or out of circuit.

One terminal of the main secondary wind ing 11 is connected by means of the lead 14, to leads 15, leading to reactancecoils 16 and 30, andit is to be understood that the lead 15 may be shifted through the plugging arrangement referred to above onto the tap 17, or directly to the lead 18, thereby cutting out the reactance coils entirely. The cooperating end of the mainsecondary 11, which may be shifted to the extremity of the coil or to anyone of the taps, is connected by lead 12 to the work I 13, and the cooperating terminal which it is desired to use on the auxiliary secondary coil 19, is led to the movable electrode 26, while the other auxiliary secondary coil 29, is led to a movable electrode 27 thereby providing two independent circuits, for each of the two operators illustrated in connection with Figure 1.

In Figure 3, I have shown how the yoke members may be divided to terminate in two le s 31 and 32, on which are placed auxiliary windings 33 and 34, with the corresponding coils on the opposite side of the main section 1, thus giving four circuits.

In the operation of the transformer the primary coil 8, supplies the energy for the secondary circuits. I prefer to construct the section'l, of a good grade of laminated iron or steel, which has relatively high permeability. In the design of a shell type transformer for ordinary use, the legs and yokes are usually made the cross sectional area of the central portion of the core, but in my present design the legs 2 and 3, are preferably of smaller cross sectional area than in a standard design, and I have found that excellent results are obtained, by making the leg cross sectional area not less than 50% of the area of a leg of normal design. The yoke sections 4, 5, 6, and 'Z are preferably of a smaller cross sectional area than that of the present design of legs 2 and 3, and this acts to materially reduce the interchange of flux between the legs. I have obtained excellent results by making the cross sections of these yokes not less than 50% of the cross sectional area of either of the legs 2 and 3. The cross sectional area of the legs and yokes may be varied considerably by the use of poorer grades of laminated stock. in fact it is not beyond the bounds of possibility to get good results by making the cross sectional area of the yokes and legs only a little less than the central portion 1, provided the grade ofmaterial is of a character to bring about the results.

In practice I have combined ditions, that is to say, I have used a somewhat lower ade of iron or steel in the outer sections tfi reby cheapening the cost of produc the two convoltage in an idle auxiliary secondary coil,-

when one of the operators, is running an arc, thus assisting another operator in strlklng an are, on starting work. This action 1s brought about by the magnetic flux being shifted into the core leg, carrying the auxilia'ry secondary winding that is not in use.

However, as soon as this coil is brought into use by the operator striking and running an arc, the flux through that particular core leg is forced back to normal operating condition, so that the auxiliary secondary coils are balanced against each other and act separately, substantially the same as in m Patent 1,305,363. However, it is possible y my present design to obtain either a compounding or neutralizing or differential efli'ects in the legs of the transformer. The ratio of the magnetomotive force of the main secondary coil to the auxiliary coils, determines to a large extent the compounding action which takes place. A greater ratio of either the core section or ampere turns or both of the V, auxiliary coils to-the main secondary coil increases the compoundlng action and vice versa. If the length of the cutting or welding leads from the transformer to the work, was known in advance then I have found there would be no need of the reactance coils l6 and 30, as proper adjustments would ordinarily be made on either or both of the main and auxiliary secondary coils; however to meet any and all conditions, the reactance coils are provided which may be cut into the welding circuits as previously explained.

If a greatly increased output is desired,

on one electrode, 'for instance, for cuttingvery heavy work, the lead running, for example to electrode 27, may beconnected to the other electrode and the plural circuits will then function as one. Thus I have pro- I vided a machine which is extremely flexible and can be made quickly adaptable for various classes of work. A single machine is thus obtained that is but little heavier than a single one man machine, but which is capa: ble of being used as a one man machine or a two man machine, and as already stated it is possible to increase the number of operators that can work on one transformer.

I. prefer to mount the transformer in a casingor'box in a manner somewhat similar i to that shown in my Patent 1,305,363, lining the box with asbestos, and providing the same with ventilating louvers, and a fan to dissipate the heat caused by the action of the transformer. It will be clearl apparent that my invention is susceptible 0 being carried out in a number of ways, and I therefore do, not wish to be unduly limited in the interpretation of the ap nded claims.

Having thus descri ed my invention, what I claim is:

1. An apparatus for electric arc welding,- cutting and reducing, comprising an alter nating current transformer having a core of magnetic material with a central section and a plurality of legs adjacent said central section and connected thereto by yokes, a primary winding on the central section, a main secondary winding associated with the primary on said central section, an auxiliary winding on each of said legs and a terminal of each of the auxiliary windings being connected to a terminal of the main secondary,

the cooperating terminal of the main secondary adapted to be connected to the work while a cooperating terminal of each auxiliary winding is adapted for connection to separate arc electrodes.

2. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducing comprising an alternating current transformer, having a core of magnetic material with a central section and a pair of legs one on each side of the central section, a primary winding on the central section, a main secondary winding associated with the primary on said central section, an auxiliary winding on each of said legs, and a terminal of each ofthe auxiliary windings being connected to a .terminal of the main secondary the cooperating terminal of the main secondary adapted to be connected to the workwhile a cooperating terminal of each auxiliary winding is adapted for connection to separate arc electrodes.

3. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducingcomprising an alternating current transformer having a core of magnetic material with a central section and a plurality of legs adjacent said central section and connected thereto by yokes, a primary winding on the central section, a main secondary winding associated with the primary on said central section, an auxiliary winding on each of said legs and a terminal of each of the auxiliary windings being connected to a terminal of the main secondary the cooperating terminal of the main secondary adapted to be connectedto the work while a cooperating terminal of each auxiliary winding is adapted for connection to separate are electrodes, and a steadying winding on at least a pair of the yokes, one of said steadying :windings being included in each of the arc electrode circuits.

' 4. An ap aratus for electric arc welding,

cutting and reducing comprising an alternating curent transformer having a" core of magnetic material with a central section and a p urality of legs adjacent said central section and connected thereto by yokes, at least one primary winding on the central section, at least one main secondary winding associated with a primary 'on said central section, an auxiliary winding on each of said legs and a terminaI'of each of the auxiliary windings being connected to a terminal of a mainsecondary the cooperating terminal of its main secondary adapted to be connected to the work while a cooperating terminal of each auxiliary winding is adapted for connection to separate arc electrodes. 7

5. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducin comprising an alter nating current transfbrmer having a core of magnetic material with a central section and a plurality of legs adjacent said central section and connected thereto by yokes, at least cutting and reducing as set forth in claim 1,

wherein the core legs and yokes are of smaller cross sectional area than said central section.

7. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core legs are of smaller cross sectional area than said central section and the yokes are of smaller cross sectional area than the legs.

8. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducing as set forth in claim 1,- wherein the core legs and yokes are of smaller cross sectional area than said central section, each core leg at least being not less than 50% of the cross sectional area of the central station of the transformer.

9. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core legs and yokes are of smaller cross sectional area than said central section, each core leg being not less than 50% of onehalf the cross sectional area of the central it'll section of the transformer and each yoke not a less than 50% of the cross sectional area of one of the legs.

10. An apparatus for electric arc wclding,

tion, said central section being constructed of magnetic material of relatively good permeability while the legs and yokes are constructed of suitable magnetic material for the purposes described.

11. An apparatus for electric arc welding, cutting and reducing as set forth in claim 1, wherein said central section is constructed of magnetic material of relatively good permeability While the legs and yokes are constructed-of magnetic material having relatively poor permeability.

12. A plural arc alternating current cutting and Welding apparatus comprising; a transformer having a central core section, a primary winding and a main secondary winding closely associated on said central section, core legs disposed on opposite sides of said central section and joinedthereto by core yokes, auxiliary secondary windings on said legs and having one end of each adapted to be connected to the same terminal of the main secondary while the cooperating terminal of each auxiliary secondary winding is adapted to be led to an arc electrode, the work being connected to a cooperating terminal on the main "secondary and means for reducing the interchange of flux-between the legs when the arc circuits are in operation.

13. In an alternating current cutting and welding transformer, means for independently supplying current to a plurality of operators comprising; a primary winding and a main secondary winding arranged on a central portion of the transformer core, at least.

one auxiliary winding arranged on core legs disposed on opposite sides of said central portion and joined thereto by core yokes, each of said'auxiliary windings being connected to the main secondary and their opposite ends led to movable arc electrodes, the work electrode being connected to a cooperating terminal of the main secondary.

14. In an alternating current cutting and. welding transformer for supplying current to a plurality of welding operators as set forth in claim 13, means for assisting in striking .an are when another arc is in operation, said means including core sections for the legs and yokes of a material and cross sections such that when one arc is Working magnetic flux is forced through the idle yokes and leg whereby the potential is initially raised in the auxiliary winding on that leg which is to be connected into a welding circuit by striking an arc.

, 15. In an alternating current cutting and welding transformer for supplying current to a plurality of welding operators as set forth in claim 13, means for obtaining different of 'fects in the cutting or welding circuits su h as compounding, balanced or'difierential e fects, said means including for the legs and yokes cores having cross sections substantially less than the cross section of that section of the core carrying the primary and main secondary windings and taps at'least on the auxiliary windings carried by the legs.

' 16. In an alternating current cutting and stantially less than the cross section of that section of the core carrying the primary and main secondary windings and taps at least on the auxiliary windings carried by the legs,

and further means for controlling these effects comprising steadying windings on at least a part of the yokes.

17 In an alternating current cutting and welding transformer for supplying current to a plurality of welding operators as set forth in claim 13. means for obtaining different effects in the cutting or welding circuits such as compounding, balanced or differential efiects, said means including for the legs and yokes cores having cross sections substantially less than the cross section of that section of the core carrying the primary and main secondary windings, and taps at least on the auxiliary windings carried by the legs, and further means forcontrolling these effects comprising separate reactance coils connected into the arc circuits.

18. An alternating currentcutting and welding transformer, having, a magnetic core including a central portion and a plurality of legs and a primary winding and a main secondary winding on the central portion of the core, and further having the remainder or auxiliary parts of the secondary windings arranged on the legs of the core on opposite sides of said central portion, said auxiliary windings having an end of each connected to 'core, and further having the remainder or auxiliary parts of the secondary windings arranged on legs of the core on opposite sides of said central portion, said auxiliary windings having an end of each connected to the same end of the main secondary while the other. cooperating terminal of the auxiliary windings are adapted to be connected to separate movable are electrodes, or .to be connected together and to a single arc electrode whereby the energy effect of the two auxiliary secondary windings as defined by their respective terminal connections, is cumulative at the work connected to the other cooperating terminal of the main secondary.

20. An alternating current cutting and welding transformer, having, a magnetic core and a primary winding and a main secondary winding on a central portion of the core, and further having the remainder or auxiliary parts of the secondary windings arranged on legs of the core on opposite sides of said central portion, said auxiliary windings having an end of each connected to the' same end of the main secondary while the other cooperating terminal of the auxiliary windings are adapted to be connected to separate movable arc-electrodes while the work is connected to the other cooperating terminal of the main secondary, said core having yokes between the central. portion and the egs, materially less in cross sectional area than the yokes would be in the normal design of a standard transformer.

21. In a shell type alternating current transformer having a primary winding and a main portion of the secondary on the central portion of the core of the transformer and auxiliary secondary windings on the core legs, said auxiliary windings being connected to one terminal ofthe main secondary winding while the cooperating terminals of the.

auxiliary windings are adapted to be connected into independent arc welding circuits, means for reducing the lnterchange of ,flux between the legs when said are circuits are in operation, said means including yokes between the legs, which yokes have a cross sectional area materially less than the cross sectional area of the legs. I

22. A plural arc alternating current cutting and welding apparatus comprising; a transformer having a core composed of a rality of parts, at least one primary winding on one of said parts, at least one main secondary winding associated with a primary winding on the said core part, auxiliary secondary windings on other parts of the core and a terminal of each of the auxiliary windings being connected to a terminal of the main secondar the cooperating terminal of its main secon ary adapted to be connected to the work, while a cooperating terminal of each auxiliary winding is adapted for connection to separate arc electrodes.

23. A plural arc alternating current cutting and welding apparatus comprising; a transformer having a core composed of a lurality'of parts, at least one rimary winding on one of said parts, at east one main secondary windin associated with a rimary winding on t c said core part, auxiliary secondary windings on other parts of the core and a terminal of each of the auxiliary plu- windings bein connected to a terminal of the main secon ary, the cooperating terminal of its main secondary adapted to be connected to the work, while a cooperating terminal of each auxiliary winding is adapted to be led to separate arc electrodes, and means included in the construction of those parts of the core extending from the part carrying the primary and main secondary windings, to the parts carrying the auxiliary windings, for reducing the interchange of flux between those parts of the core carrying said axiliary secondary windings when said plural arcs are in operation.

24. Inan alternating current cutting and welding system means for independently supplying current to a plurality of operators from a single transformer and for assisting in striking an are when another are is in operation, comprising; at least one primary winding and at least one main secondary winding arranged the core with the primary, at least one auxiliary winding arranged on a plurality of other portions of the core joined by other core portions to the portion mary and main secondary windings, each of said auxiliary windings being connected to the main secondary and their opposite ends led to arc electrodes, the work electrode being connected to a cooperating terminal of the main secondary while the core portions carrying the auxiliary windings and said joining portions are constructed of a material having a cross section such that when one are is working, magnetic flux is directed through said core portions so that the potential is materially raised in the auxiliary winding which. is then idle.

25. For an alternating current are cutting and/or welding system, a transformer having magnetic core, a primary winding on a part of the core, a secondary winding having main and auxiliary portions connected in series, said main portion being on that part of the core with the portion is on another art of the core, one terminal of said auxiliary portion and one terminal of said main ortion adapted to be connected into welding circuit, the core part carrying the primary winding and main secondary portion including material having lower magnetic losses per unit volume than the material in at least the core parts of the transformer connected directly thereto.

26. For an alternating current are cutting and/or welding system, a transformer having a magnetic core, a primary winding on a part of the core, a secondary Winding having main and auxiliary portions connected in series, said main portion being on that part of the core with the primary while the auxiliary portion is on another part of the core, one terminal of said auxiliary portion and one terminal of said on the same portion of carrying the priprimary while the auxiliary part of the core being formed of parts having ing, mam secondary wmdings on that part of the core with the primary, an auxiliary secondary windingoncach of sand legs and connected 1n series with a main secondary winding, 9. terminal oi a main secondary and a terminal of its associated auxiliary winding adapted to be connected into a welding circuit, the core part carrying the primary and main secondary windings having higher permeability than the legs carrying the auxiliary secondaries. y

In testimony whereof I affix m si nature.

CLAUEE J. H L LAG.

For an alternating current are cutting I 

